Move-in Day

Move-in day is very hectic for everyone. Illini Guides move in several thousand students during fall opening for Living-Learning Communities and the Official Campus Move-In Day. You are leaving home, trying to bring everything you need for the whole semester, and the experience can seem overwhelming. For many it's a new campus, and it can be difficult to find your way around. For others, the usual routes they take are blocked off to help traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks. For this reason it's very important that everyone knows what to do and what to expect before they get here.

1. In the mail you should have gotten or will get a "Movin' In" booklet from Housing which includes a map with specific directions on how to get to your residence hall on Move In Day. Pay careful attention to this map, as campus traffic is re-routed for the day and many of the streets you might normally use are blocked or one-way. Once you get close to your building, look for I-Guides in orange shirts for specific unloading and check-in instructions.



2. Before you leave for school, try to pack as much as you can into boxes. Boxes are more stackable and result in fewer trips into the building. Also check the weather. Traditionally we have been very lucky and it hasn't rained on a Move In Day in quite a while. However, it is always a possibility. So if the weather calls for rain, it's a good idea to bring a tarp or garbage bags to cover you belongings. Because I-Guides are volunteers, we cannot take responsibility if anything gets broken during move in, so it's best to plan to move fragile or expensive items yourself.



3. When you get to campus, follow the map in the center of the "Movin' In" booklet. When you get close to your hall, you will be greeted by an I-Guide who will direct you to your specific building and give you instructions on the Move In process. Please pay careful attention to what he/she tells you. We use an "unload and go" process that allows us to move everyone in as quickly as possible. Your patience is appreciated.

 

4. Once you are directed to an unloading space, an I-Guide will provide specific instructions for the Move In process. He or she will ask you to unload your belongings onto the curb, leave someone your things, and then immediately move your vehicle to the parking lot indicated by the I-Guides. You will not be allowed to park along the main streets. Shuttle transportation back to the residence halls will be available from the larger lots.



5. While someone is parking the car, the student should go into the hall, fill out the necessary forms, and pick up his or her keys. Keys are only issued directly to the student and cannot be given to family members or friends. I-Guides will come along with a cart and begin to assist you in moving into the hall. There are busy times so you might have to wait a couple minutes for a cart.



6. The I-Guides, with your assistance, will then wheel the cart inside to the elevators. Please remember that they are volunteers, so you will want to help them by carrying fragile items or things that won't fit on the carts. Because elevator space is limited, know that there may be a line and your patience is appreciated. Lines are a great way to start to meet people who will be living in your building--take advantage of them and say hello to someone standing near you.



7. Once I-Guides get you to your room, they will help you unload your cart. I-Guides are all returning students so please feel welcome to ask any questions. They volunteer to help with your whole move-in experience, not just your stuff and no question is a dumb question. I-Guides also help to organize activities on campus and in your halls to help you get accustomed to campus during opening week. We encourage you to take part in these activities because they are a great way to get to know people.



8. All in all Illini Guides hope to make your introduction or return to campus a positive experience. We just want to brighten your day and shed some light on coming to college to make the experience less intimidating.